Christmas Tradition of Kissing Under Mistletoe

Mistletoe is defined as a parasitic shrub having leathery evergreen leaves and waxy white berries. It has been used as a Christmas decoration since Victorian times. Kissing under mistletoe has become a Christmas tradition and you could make your own mistletoe history this year. If you are not sure how someone will respond to your advances, kissing under mistletoe is like having a Get Out of Jail Free card. If the reaction isn't the one you expected maybe you will find lifelong friendship instead. If it is, you will have your very own mistletoe folklore to share!

Mistletoe history began fittingly in Greece, at the Saturnalia festival. Greeks believed in its mystical powers of fertility and eternal life and later used mistletoe at marriage rites. A well known mistletoe folklore involves Goddess Frigga, who shed tears for her revived son. Her tears turned into the white berries found on mistletoe plants and she kissed all who passed under the tree that had mistletoe growing.

Great moments often stem from strange Christmas tradition and beliefs, including those that were part of pagan customs. Before becoming an Irish Christmas tradition, kissing under mistletoe was banned because pagans held the mistletoe sacred and anything held dear by pagans was evil. Pagan Druids believed all plants and trees have souls and that the mistletoe held miraculous healing powers, anti-poison, fertililty, protection from evil, good luck and blessings.

Norseman believed mistletoe was the plant of peace. in Scandinavia, according to mistletoe folklore, enemies and angry spouses would find resolve under the powerful mistletoe, at least for a day. The Christmas tradition of hanging mistletoe over doorways spawned from the Norse mistletoe folklore as a symbol of peace and goodwill to all who passed through the door.

Kissing under mistletoe in England meant marriage, lasting friendship or goodwill; while not kissing under mistletoe was bad luck and meant marriage would have not happen within the next year.

Mistletoe folklore has continued through the ages. The Christmas tradition of kissing under mistletoe is still practiced in many European countries, Canada and the United States. Even today, many believe that a romantic couple will marry, have a long life and be merry if they kiss under mistletoe. Some people continue to believe mistletoe folklore of good fortune, luck, and protection from evil.

You can share a kiss under mistletoe any time during the holiday season, so enjoy! Mistletoe history could still be made! The Christmas tradition of kissing under mistletoe is not just for lovers. Nowadays, kissing under mistletoe is an acceptable exchange between family, friends and relatives.